Money Can’t Buy You Happiness… But It Can Buy That Mascara

This post speaks to something that has been on my mind for a little while now. When I moved, I convinced myself that I didn’t need to spend money on any luxuries, because my apartment was my ultimate luxury. A couple months down the line, I felt a little worn out, a little lack luster, and not feeling very special – mainly because I wasn’t treating myself at the end of a long work week or before a hot date. I realized that while I had the right sentiment, it’s less a dependence on acquiring money to make you happy, more about the investment in yourself to make you feel at your best.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to spoil yourself a little, especially in your 20’s before you have a family or a retirement plan to fund. The key is to find your priorities – what makes you most happy? And this can change from time to time. Just after college, it was important for me to have money for travel and socializing. Now, I would rather pamper myself with makeup, a facial, and a good bottle of wine. Here are a few things I think are worth the dollah bills, and not worth the guilt.

Massages/Facials/Spa Treatment: I struggled with acne back and forth since I was about 16. I tried all the infomercial remedies, had some luck, then got back into the fight in my mid-20’s. Giving in (and then loving) seasonal facials is what saved me. Not only is it a chance to clear all the gunk out of your skin, but your esthetician can give you extremely useful tips for your skin type, since they are literally looking at your skin under a light and magnifying glass. Same goes for massages.

Makeup: For too long I have lived on bare bones makeup samples from my color cosmetics days. There are a few high-end products I have found and repurchased on my own, but it’s about time I experimented with a few different products and found a few different go-to-looks that are unique to me. If you’re in the same boat but don’t want to drop your rent at Sephora, try bhcosmetics.com.

Shoes: Being in New York and walking every where, my shoes get destroyed. Since I don’t have the money to Uber all day long, it’s silly to try to invest in Monolos and keep them clean. However, it is worth the investment to find a mid-price boot, flat, and heel to last a couple seasons. They’re tougher than the cheaper brands.

Boutique Workout Classes: I’ve raved about all the cheap fitness options in the city, and I still believe it’s not entirely worth it to splurge on a crazy expensive gym membership. If you’ve had a rough day, there’s nothing like a SoulCycle or yoga class to chill you out and lift your butt. Even if you go once every 2 weeks, you’re still going on the cheap vs. purchasing a 5pack for 45 days.